Podcast appearances and mentions of ben branson

In part two of Ben's conversation with Dr Shyamal Mashru, they unpack what actually makes a good ADHD assessment - and why so many people are still waiting, misdiagnosed, or left without answers.Dr Shyamal, an NHS Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, explains what happens inside a thorough assessment, who is qualified to diagnose ADHD, and why emotional dysregulation is so often overlooked. Together, they explore NHS vs private pathways, co-occurring conditions like autism and RSD, and why ADHD rarely shows up in neat, textbook ways.We hope this episode brings clarity to a process that can often feel stressful, and inaccessible. If you're questioning ADHD, on a waiting list, or trying to understand what good care really looks like, this conversation is for you.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:12 Who Can Diagnose ADHD in the UK?04:25 ADHD Assessment Options: NHS vs Private Explained11:20 ADHD Assessments Outside the UK: What's Different?13:00 Why ADHD Assessments Are Complex & Often Siloed20:14 ADHD & Reduced Life Expectancy: What the Research Shows24:20 What Makes a Good ADHD Assessment?29:25 ADHD at School vs University: Missed Support32:50 RSD, Relationships & Emotional Regulation Flags34:16 ADHD & Daily Life: Hobbies, Money, Sleep41:02 When ADHD Gets Misdiagnosed - and Why47:15 Autism + ADHD: What If You Suspect Both?55:06 The Missing Piece in ADHD Diagnosis: Emotional Dysregulation59:00 Dr Shyamal's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Shymal Mashru @harrowhealthcicHarrow Health offers bespoke NHS community outpatient services across London, plus fast adult ADHD assessment and treatment across England. For more information please visit: https://adhdrighttochoose.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Shyamal Mashru, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, for a clear and compassionate deep dive into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).Often misunderstood or dismissed as being “too sensitive,” RSD is explored here as a real, neurological experience - one that can hijack rational thought, flood the body with emotional pain, and quietly shape relationships, work, and self-worth. Dr Shyamal explains what RSD is (and isn't), how it shows up differently across people, and why ADHD brains may be especially vulnerable.They unpack the science, the role of trauma and hormones, why RSD isn't currently in the DSM, and what actually helps when rejection hits hard.If rejection feels overwhelming, confusing, or deeply personal - this conversation offers clarity, relief, and language for what you may have been carrying alone.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:00 Dr Shyamal Mashru's ADHD Background & Clinical Work03:15 What Surprises Clinicians About ADHD Assessments04:41 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Explained: What RSD Is & Why It Hurts09:16 RSD Coping Mechanisms: Shutdown, People-Pleasing & Avoidance11:44 Is It RSD or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference15:05 The Neuroscience of RSD: Why Rational Thinking Switches Off17:27 RSD in Romantic Relationships & Attachment21:33 How to Support a Partner With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria22:50 How Aware Is Society of RSD?24:38 RSD, Hormones & ADHD: Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause & Menopause26:33 Is There an Upside to RSD? Emotional Depth & Sensitivity29:56 Can Non-ADHD People Experience RSD?31:55 RSD vs Trauma & Fear of Failure34:46 Why RSD Is More Than “Not Handling Rejection”36:15 Why Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Isn't in the DSM40:00 How RSD Shows Up in Children41:29 Early Signs & Patterns Clinicians Look For42:59 How Common Is RSD in ADHD — and When It Appears46:20 Treating RSD: Therapy, Medication & Regulation56:18 The One Thing Dr Shyamal Would Change About RSD AwarenessThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Shymal Mashru @adhdhealthclinicwww.adhdhealthclinic.co.ukIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what trees taste like? That's the thought that spurred our guest, Ben Branson, to launch his latest venture, Sylva. We meet in Essex at his woodland, distillery and lab, where he crafts non-alcoholic drinks that capture the natural flavours of trees. Also the founder of Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, Ben has now turned his focus entirely to nature to make Sylva 'a tree company that makes drinks'. Join us to explore the production process, admire a centuries-old oak that could offer a new flavour, and discover Ben's mission to encourage others to love trees as much as he does. We also learn how Ben's ADHD and autism help fuel his curiosity and innovation, and inspired him to launch The Hidden 20%, a charity, podcast and movement finding and sharing the truth about neurodiversity. Don't forget to rate us and subscribe! Learn more about the Woodland Trust at woodlandtrust.org.uk  Transcript You are listening to Woodland Walks, a podcast for the Woodland Trust presented by Adam Shaw. We protect and plant trees for people to enjoy, to fight climate change and to help wildlife thrive. Adam: Well, in today's episode of Woodland Walks, I'm off to see a man who invented the world's first distilled non-alcoholic drink. It was called Seedlip and effectively he created it in his kitchen and took it to 40 countries and in the process, I think it's fair to say, helped change the world of adult drinks and it certainly spurned lots of imitators, which you may well know. He also has a different mission. Really, I think it's fair to say his mission is now at least partly to involve the environment in much of what he does. He has, for instance, won two golds at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, and last year launched Pollen Projects, which aims to continue to disrupt the drinks industry, in particular though, by harnessing the flavour powers of trees. And that's something I suppose I've really never thought about. Anyway, so I met him at his farm, his home, his laboratory - they're all more or less the same thing - somewhere in Essex. Ben: My name is Ben Branson. I'm the founder of Sylva. Adam: Fantastic. So first of all, we've lots to talk about. Ben: We do. Adam: Because we are sitting in an amazing, is this a laboratory? Ben: Yeah, I guess. Adam: It doesn't feel like a laboratory, it feels something much more designery. It feels like a Porsche should be made here or something. Anyway, looking over an extraordinary landscape, and we're going to go for a walk through that. But first of all, would you tell me a little bit about what, I suppose, what's brought you here and your history and why, why you're doing what you're doing. Ben: So I grew up on a farm and my family have been farming up in Lincolnshire for 320 years now. So that's nine generations and we're still farming. And I guess that meant I enjoyed a childhood largely outside and trees played a big part of that. Animals did, fields, produce, and hard work, I guess, not from me, but from my family. Adam: Right. So did you ever work on the farm? Ben: I did, yeah. And I would spend summers... Adam: So you got your hands dirty? Ben: Yeah, I would spend summers sitting on a tractor or going and sitting with my grandfather on a combine. Adam: Right. And you came to prominence for something completely different. I mean, not sheep or potatoes or anything, but the non-alcoholic drink called Seedlip. So briefly, how on earth did that happen? Ben: Yeah, Seedlip was a, I guess, a series of sort of curious accidents. Adam: I suppose we should pause, just tell, for those who don't know, what on earth we're talking about, what is Seedlip? Ben: So Seedlip was the, or is, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit. Adam: Fine. Ben: So botanicals, distilled. and made into various different blends that you could have with tonic or in a cocktail. Adam: Will you get annoyed or too crude to describe it as a non-alcoholic gin? Ben: Too crude in that it is illegal to describe it as a non-alcoholic gin now *both laugh* Adam: Oh okay, not just too crude! Okay, incorrect. But okay, in my mind, I saw it as a... Ben: Akin to. Adam: Akin to. Ben: In that, in that world of a clear, botanical-driven liquid. Adam: Fine. So we know what it is. Ben: We know what it is. I've never worked for somebody else's drinks business before. I've never worked in manufacturing. Yeah, I learned how to distill ingredients partly through YouTube, partly through a book that was originally published in 1651. I have a 1664 copy of here called The Art of Distillation that details apothecaries' experiments for herbal remedies using distillation. So I, this started with me growing herbs at home and down the rabbit warren of Wikipedia looking at different lists of ingredients. Adam: So why did you want to do that? Ben: Because I'm the kind of guy that has a collection of 4,000 1940s Penguin books. And I'm the kind of guy that learned how to do taxidermy in an ancient church on a family farm in Lincolnshire. And I'm the kind of guy that likes to tinker and experiment and go really deep into things that I'm interested in. Adam: So it was just a, it wasn't, this wasn't, 'I'm going to be a businessman', you just fancied having a go? Ben: Nothing to do with drinks. I was just curious. Adam: Amazing. Ben: And taking mint from my garden and then making a liquid that smells and tastes like that plant was really magical. Adam: I mean, I don't want to talk about Seedlip a lot. Ben: Me neither *laughs* Adam: No, but just, I suppose, the last question on that, it must have come a point at which you've gone, this is a project in my garage to, hey, we could do this. How important was that? How significant a moment was that? Ben: Yeah, so the two key turning points were one, driving into London to go out for dinner, obviously not drinking alcohol and being served the most disgusting, pink, fruity, sweet, horrible mocktail and thinking, why is it so difficult to get a decent option? That was one key moment. And the second key moment was I made 1,000 bottles of Seedlip two years after I'd started distilling and I thought they'd last six months and they sold out in Selfridges in three weeks. And that went from my kitchen to, yeah, 35 countries and set this movement alight, which is all part of, yeah, we're slowly meandering towards now where we've got to today. Adam: So you sold that to Diageo? Ben: I sold the majority of that to Diageo in 2019. Adam: You own a bit of it. Ben: Yes. Adam: And now you're starting a new venture. Ben: Yes. Adam: Which is? Ben: Which is a company called Pollen Projects that has two brands. Seasn, which is a pair of cocktail bitters. So people may know Angostura. Very intense, concentrated, strong liquids that transform your sparkling water or your cocktail. And then my favourite, favourite project, which is Sylva, which is all about trees and making aged non-alcoholic spirits. Adam: So we'll talk about the trees, we'll, let's go for a trip about that. But before we get into all of those specifics, I think I'm right in saying that you, one of the purposes, one of the sort of foundations of the work you do is a sort of purpose-led business. Again, is that a fair description? Ben: Absolutely. Adam: And the business talks about that. Now, I'm a business journalist. It's now ubiquitous for businesses to go, we're purpose-led and we feel we're strong in the community. And one of the problems for journalists, and I think the public at large, is distinguishing between those who have some sort of genuine purpose here and those who feel we need to add that as our marketing strand. Ben: Yeah. Adam: Do you recognise that issue and if so, how do you overcome that? It must be very difficult to go, no no, I know everyone's saying this, but I really believe it. Ben: I am very, very clear that the reason why I'm doing this is because this is a way in which I can express myself. This isn't work for me. This is how I express myself because it's what I'm interested in. I'm very interested in trees and I'm incredibly curious and I really want to learn. And so I believe that trees are this most incredible, underestimated source of flavour, as well as all the other wonderful things that we already know about trees. And I want people to love trees. And so that is, if I can make a product that meets a need in people's lives and tastes delicious and they want to drink again, that for me is a real win-win rather than, I don't know, any other kind of business purposes or made-up, I'm really clear, like half of this is really selfish. Adam: Selfish in what way? Ben: In the sense that I want to keep working with trees. And I want to explore trees in my working life rather than it being a hobby at the weekends. Adam: And is it about that? Is it about like, I like trees and I want to work in the environment and it's great because I've got a sort of commercial reason to do that. Is there something, I get that, is there something also about social purpose, about feeling that the business should do some good or not? I don't mean to judge it in either way because it's perfectly fine for business not to do that. Ben: Sure. I think it's baked in. Seedlip, Sylva, Seasn. Someone said to me, probably about 12 months ago, they're born good. They don't have any alcohol in them. They are there to offer choice and they are there to include people. That's already baked in, in terms of the product. And so, yeah, there's lots of details we have with Sylva of some of the environmental credentials around our packaging or what we do with our waste, all that, but they are sort of below the surface, as it were. Ultimately, we want people to have a delicious drink and a great option and great choice. Adam: And how important do you think the public feel that sort of role for companies? It feels to me that certainly since COVID, there was a bigger demand for the public to hear companies stand up for something. Do you see that or do you think that was there and has gone away or what's your view on that? Ben: I, or we, are big believers that our brands or the company should have a point of view and part of your company having a point of view is how you're positioned in the market and against your competitors and ultimately what makes you unique and different. Adam: The weather's been so good to us, so I don't want to stay in too long. But I suppose the last question, I read other interviews you've done talking about other business leaders who've inspired you. Who and why? Ben: So David Hieatt was one of the team behind howies jeans. And then he went on to, he's a Welshman, he moved back to Wales to a town that used to be famous for making jeans. And over a, I don't know, 10, 12 year period, he got that town making jeans again. And those jeans were typically worn by lots of creative people. I hate jeans, so I never bought a pair. Adam: Sorry, here I am wearing a pair of jeans, you should have said. *both laugh* Ben: I just hate wearing them. I hate wearing them. And I just followed, I can't even remember how I came across him. I followed his work. He then, I was amazed to be included in one of his, he calls them mavericks and makers. I was included in one of his lists of people doing interesting things. And then I was invited to give a talk at his sort of cult following retreat called the Do Lectures. Adam: The Do Lectures? Ben: The Do Lectures. And it's an amazing retreat on a farm in Wales. Everyone's sort of in wigwams and you kind of, you're in this old, old barn giving this, giving this talk. And I sort of plucked up a bit of courage to actually talk to him, but was quite starstruck actually. And I've just followed his writing and and he came out with a brilliant phrase that we used or adopted or adapted, which was Hiut Denim was an ideas company that made jeans. And I loved that. And we adapted that for Seedlip to be a nature company that made drinks. And I've adapted it again for Sylva to be a tree company that makes drinks. And so we are not just our product and the thing that we make, I guess. So David is, he's a wonderful writer, great thinker, and yeah, I love him. Adam: Okay, brilliant. Which is a good point. You raised the trees, which is why we're here. Let's go hug some. Ben: That's the most important room. That's the wood room. Adam: Okay, so this is, right. Sorry, what's the dog called? Ben: The dog is Pesto. Adam: Pesto, enormous Pesto. Enormous Pesto. So we're in a shed. That's an ultrasound you can hear in the background, which Ben will explain why. So you've got bits of wood with numbers on, so you're just trying out, oh, so you chipped up the wood? Ben: Yeah, we chip up the wood, that's plum. Adam: Right. Ben: So everything's from the UK. That'll be probably apple... So we process all the wood here. Adam: Right. And then, okay, so we can hear the ultrasound next door. So you've got lots of chips of apple, let's say. You dry it out in a domestic oven. You've got a couple of ovens. The point of putting it in this ultrasound is what? Ben: Yeah, so we want to extract the flavour and the character from the wood. So we distill grain in the lab where we just were. And then we fill a keg with the wood chips and the grain distilled. So you've got liquid and wood together. We add lots of oxygen to that to make it a really rich environment. And then we put it in our ultrasound machine. Adam: And the ultrasound does what? Ben: And the ultrasound gets into the wood and forces out all of the aromatic compounds. So we're talking esters, the tannins, the colour, all the bits that taste yummy, we take out, and that's cycling on 28,000 kilohertz ultrasound at temperature for varying different amounts of time. Adam: And then you have a liquid. Ben: Then we have a liquid. Adam: Which has got flavours in it. Ben: Exactly. And then we're separating the wood from the liquid, and we want all the wonderful flavour from the wood to go into the grain liquid. Adam: And is that literally just, well, I've got a bit of liquid, I'm going to add a bit of flavour to that? Is that sort of... Ben: Yeah, I mean, this process for me started 14 years ago. There's nobody in the world doing this. I've had to basically develop and create a whole production process. Adam: Wow, amazing. Ben: I'm interested in the whole tree, yeah, and what flavour is there in different parts of the tree, different ages of tree, different growing conditions of trees. I mean, the scope when there's 73,000 tree species is enormous. Adam: So you've got that... Ben: And then we have silver walnut, which was a very small, we only made 300 bottles. All of the wood comes from here. And that was a real, I wanted to try and capture kind of the forest in winter, so a dormant forest. And that uses black walnut wood, sweet chestnut wood, elm wood. We had an elm tree fall down and so we took some of that. And then we sourced some reindeer moss, which is actually a lichen from Scotland. And so, yeah, silver walnut, which comes in packaging made of the forest floor. So mycelium, you get a couple of glasses. Adam: So are you never cutting down a tree? Are you taking bits of it? Ben: I'm not saying we're never cutting down a tree, but we are being very choiceful with how we source and where it comes from. And look, trees are falling down all the time. Adam: Yeah, no, I understand. Ben: And we don't need to... Yeah, we can, basically, we can use a very small amount of wood for a lot of bottles. Adam: And what happens, so you get all this wood, you've chipped it up, you're extracting all the flavours, now you have a lot of wood without any flavour in it. So what happens to all that stuff? Ben: So the spent wood, two things. One, at the moment, because we are small and new and kind of figuring out what we're doing, everything goes back to the forest. So to compost, back to the forest floor. Adam: You just spread it around? Ben: Yeah. What we'd, I mean, we can use it as mulch in the orchard. What we'd love to do is, you know, I know we could dry that wood out and make incense from it, for example. I know that we could dry that wood out and make a surface. And there are lots of, there is terrazzo type products called ferrazzo. Adam: I don't know what those are. Ben: Terrazzo is the, you'll see it, it's speckly kitchen surfaces that have got bits of ceramics and yeah, well, somebody's launched ferrazzo with bits of wood in. Adam: *laughs* Okay fair enough. Ben: So yeah, I think there's a lot that we could do in the future. We can't eat wood, because our bodies can't process lignin. But in terms of, yeah, the afterlife of what happens when we've extracted the flavour and the colour, there's going to be options. Adam: So this whole area of using trees for a drink, I've not, I mean, I'm ignorant of loads of stuff, so maybe this is common and I just don't know about it, but how novel is this? Ben: It's, if you think about maple syrup, birch water, we've tapped trees for a long time. And then you think about aged alcoholic spirits, specifically whisky, I guess. And then you think... Adam: And oaked wines. Ben: And oaked wines. Or you think about barbecued food, smoked food. We actually do have this connection and a lot of history in terms of the flavour and power of wood for things that we kind of consume. But in non-alcoholic drinks, yeah, not in the process that we're using or to the breadth of trees that we're working with. Adam: It's quite primal in a way, the way you describe it there. You can imagine early cooking would have taken place on wood, wouldn't it? Ben: Yes, yes. Adam: So, and then we go, oh, actually that tastes quite nice, that sort of woody flavour to it. Ben: I liken it to, or the picture I have, the most perfect rose-tinted picture I have in my mind is, I am sat by a fire, a wood fire, on a wooden chair, at a wooden table, with a piece of paper, and a pen that uses oak gall ink. Adam: Right, yeah. Ben: And I am drinking, probably from a wooden vessel, some Sylva. Adam: OK. Ben: And that is, you know, that's kind of, that's pretty heavenly, I think, in my head. Adam: Have you ever... Ben: Here's a sweet chestnut tree. Adam: Have you ever written with oak gall? Ben: I haven't. Have you? Adam: Yes. Ben: Have you! And? Adam: Yeah, I mean... *both laugh* We just did it in the forest, so I'm sure you can improve the quality of the ink. But it is extraordinary that you go, I think, I could have got this wrong, but I think Shakespeare wrote with oak gall. Ben: Absolutely. A thousand years of printing history. Adam: Yeah, I mean, it is extraordinary and it sort of worked. You know, it wasn't great, but then we didn't know what we were doing. So it is interesting that you just go, take that off the tree, grind that up, let's write. And you go, it worked. That's extraordinary that that worked at all, really. So yeah, yeah. *both laugh* Ben: All because of a little wasp. I mean, it's kind of... Yeah, it is it is wild. Adam: Amazing. So I know you're running a business and this is both your home and then the business and whatever, but what do you think about the environmental debate? We live in interesting times where, I mean, even really recently, people have been talking about moving to net zero and then lots of very serious political figures talking about, well, no, that's actually not going to work and stepping back from commitments to electric cars, and I think politicians are doing that partly because they feel there isn't the public support for the costs of supporting the environment. What's your take on all this? Ben: I've been probably a few, maybe three, four years ago, I was really hopeful. I think there was some real energy behind COP and there was some just, there was, it felt like there was just a lot happening. And then the last couple of years, I guess, I felt less hopeful in terms of the, sustainability has lost its edge and lost, maybe just lost being a priority. Or we've got bored of it or lots of things have been set up which are brilliant and there is a bit of lack of interest from the public. Or we've stopped worrying so much about the future of the environment because other things have come in for us to worry about. Adam: Right, so you think we have a limited scope for worrying and that's full? Ben: Yeah, I do. So I don't know, I kind of, you know, and it's obviously it's incredibly geopolitical and dependent on the time in terms of who's in charge and therefore what energy this gets given and therefore what then seeps into the media, the narrative, the public discourse on this. And I can't speak for everybody, but if I had a sense, it would probably be, I'm doing my bit now. You told me I need to recycle this or turn this off or get an electric car or I don't know, like I'm doing that. Adam: Yeah. Ben: So what are you guys doing? You know, I don't know. Not that I'm not hopeful, but I feel like the sentiment has become less hopeful. Adam: You think these things change? Ben: Absolutely. I mean, look at the, yeah, I, if I... hold on to the last 10 years of seeing our attitudes towards alcohol and the non-alcoholic drinks options to now where we are, things can change. Adam: Yeah. It is interesting. I mean, which way? Because we've got... Ben: I just wanted to draw this wonderful oak tree to your attention. Adam: Oh I see, yes. This is something from Harry Potter, the great whomping willow. Ben: The whomping willow. Adam: That's right, yeah, which it's not a willow, but go on. Ben: So our woodpecker... Adam: Oh, yes, look at that. Ben: Look at that. I mean, absolutely perfect, perfect hole. So this oak tree, probably at least 400 years old and struck by lightning last year. Adam: Wow, is that what the damage we're seeing? Ben: This natural char. Adam: Yeah, I was going to say, we can see this very charred bit of it. Gosh, and there's bits fallen down, is that from the lightning strike? Ben: This is what we've taken down. Adam: Oh, you've taken that down. Ben: So that is naturally charred. So to me that is... Adam: Ahh, is that flavour? Ben: Yeah. Adam: Everyone else goes, oh my God, the tree got hit by lightning. Ben rushes out and goes, fantastic, a new flavour! Ben: I am, that takes me to A, we've got some of that back at the lab. So we've, we've seen what it tastes like, which is wonderful. B, this is what barrels do to the, you know, it's what they do to the inside of a barrel, they char it. And 3, I start thinking, how can you engineer lightning to strike wood? Adam: Right. Ben: Not a tree, but wood. Adam: Right, okay. Ben: To create this natural char. Adam: Okay, amazing. So we might see that in a drink sometime soon. Ben: *laughs* Yeah, we love we love this tree. Adam: You also run, well not run, you present a podcast about ADHD. Is that correct? Ben: I set up a neurodiversity charity two years ago following my autism and ADHD diagnosis. And yeah, we set up a podcast called The Hidden 20% where on a weekly basis I sit down with everything from neuroscientists to top researchers, psychologists, celebrities, people running neurodiversity charities. And yeah, we kind of try and get to the truth. Adam: And you having ADHD, is that significant for you? Ben: It's significant in the sense that I didn't know that I was autistic and ADHD until I was 39. That's quite significant, and that's been a big learning. Adam: But whether it was diagnosed or had a label or whatever, is sort of separate from what I was trying to ask, you must have noticed some characteristics? Ben: Oh, I was the last to know, apparently. Adam: Right. You didn't feel, or even looking back on it now, you don't feel that your ADHD has had some sort of influence on what you've done? Ben: It's my brain, so it absolutely has influenced everything that I've done. But given that I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 8, and I've seen multiple psychologists, psychiatrists, you know, I've been in rehab in my early 20s, and no one ever, ever had talked about autism, ADHD. And so to get to 39, and I'm not alone, unfortunately, and a huge amount of people who've been missed, because we thought it was only little boys. Adam: Right. Do you think it's been, whatever challenges or difficulties that's brought, in looking in retrospect, do you think it's brought some positives as well? Ben: Oh, I think one of the biggest challenges around people and understanding or having more understanding around neurodiversity is that it's not all bad and that it's not a disease. And there are huge, you know, I have, I'm a synesthete, so I can taste colour and I see flavour and colour. Adam: Ok so that's a very clear benefit isn't it! Ben: Really helpful. I have a pretty photographic memory, which is incredibly helpful when you're analysing or trying to memorise lots of different plants or trees and behaviour around how a tree performs. Adam: Seems to me you're also very focused. Is that fair? Ben: Very focused. Adam: And that's often a symptom, isn't it, super focus? Ben: Yeah, so we talk about, in ADHD, people talk about hyper-focus. And in autism, people talk about special interests. Adam: Right. Ben: And I have both of those *laughs*. And trees, so trees is my special interest and being ADHD allows me to hyper-focus on that. I'm only learning that I can harness it and use it and I have a really good understanding of how my brain works now and that's massively empowering. Adam: Okay, brilliant. All right. Well, you've taken us on a circuit. We're back to, not the shed, that's a terrible... Ben: The lab. Adam: The barn. Very nice barn. So shall we go back in? Is there something to taste? Ben: Yeah, I think we should have a drink. Adam: I shouldn't leave without tasting it. Brilliant. Ben: No *laughs* You can go and see all this apple wood as well. Adam: Oh yeah. Oh look, the apple wood van is leaving. So has he deposited his apple wood? Yes. Okay, that was quick. So while Ben prepares some rather nice non-alcoholic tree tipples for us, I wanted to take this opportunity of thanking you for joining us on this particular podcast. And wherever you are and whenever you do it, I wanted to wish you from all of us, to all of you, some very happy wanderings. Thank you for listening to the Woodland Trust Woodland Walks. Join us next month when Adam will be taking another walk in the company of Woodland Trust staff, partners and volunteers. And don't forget to subscribe to the series on iTunes or wherever you are listening. And do give us a review and a rating. If you want to find out more about our woods and those that are close to you, check out the Woodland Trust website. Just head to the Visiting Woods pages. Thank you.  

Semi-Professional cyclist, Connie Hayes, joins Ben for a deeply personal conversation about growing up autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic - and how cycling became both a regulator and a place of safety.Connie reflects on the early signs of autism that were missed, the self-esteem battles that came with puberty, hormones and friendships, and the long road to understanding her neurodivergence.She shares how sport - particularly cycling - helps regulate her nervous system, why environment matters so deeply for autistic performance, and how dyspraxia shows up at an elite level.Together, they also explore autism in women, eating disorders in sport, disclosure, and the urgent need for more inclusive practices across the industry.If you're curious about neurodiversity, sport and identity, this episode is for you!Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:05 Connie Hayes: The Autistic, Dyslexic & Dyspraxic Professional Cyclist02:20 Early Signs of Autism & Being Missed03:07 How Cycling Regulates Connie's Autistic Brain04:41 Understanding Autism Through Sport (Post-Diagnosis)05:57 Designing Environments Where Autistic Athletes Thrive08:05 Autism, Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Diagnosis Journey: Self-Esteem, Puberty & Friendships10:42 Dyspraxia in Elite Cycling: Coordination, Balance & Training12:28 Fighting for School Support & Being Left With Questions16:59 The Right University & Autism in Women: “It Saved My Life”25:53 Identity: Seeing Herself as an Autistic Woman26:38 Society's Expectations vs Autistic Females27:19 Neurodiversity in Sport: What We Get Wrong29:21 Autism, Sport & Eating Disorders39:43 Why Autism Can Be a Strength in Professional Cycling46:45 Women's Cycling Through an Autism Lens55:06 Disclosing Autism: Regret, Relief & Reality58:38 Is Cycling Good for Neurodivergent People?01:02:07 Connie's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benConnie Hayes @connie_hayesIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of this conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Lost Girls of Autism, Gina Rippon, rejoins Ben to focus on the women autism research left behind.Picking up where part one ends, Gina traces how early brain science, diagnostic bias and cultural assumptions combined to hide autistic women in plain sight. She unpacks why autism was framed as a “male condition,” how masking became a survival strategy, and the real cost of decades of late or missed diagnosis.They explore the neuroscience behind prediction and masking, the forgotten female figures in autism's history, and why the language of “over-diagnosis” risks oversimplifying a much more complex history of under-recognition .Gina also reflects on autistic bullying, and what meaningful change in diagnosis and research could look like next.If you've ever wondered why so many autistic women are only being seen now - or why you still don't feel seen - this conversation is for you. We hope it offers some clarity, context, and hope.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:00 Gina Rippon's Career in Autism & Neuroscience02:00 The Brain Questions That Changed Autism Research05:12 Autism & the Brain: Predictive Coding Explained08:11 Why So Many Autistic Women Were Missed09:09 The Forgotten Female Psychiatrist Who Identified Autism Decades Earlier16:52 Autism Diagnosis Ratios: Female vs Male Explained18:02 How Many Autistic Women Have We Missed? The “Overdiagnosis” Myth24:02 Masking in Autistic Women: The Breakthrough Moment29:30 The Reality of Bullying for Autistic Girls31:18 The Cost of Late Autism Diagnosis in Women35:59 Autism, Hormones & PMDD: What Research Still Lacks37:00 Debunking the “Refrigerator Mother” Myth40:15 What Neuroscience Tells Us About the Autistic Brain44:11 Neurodivergent vs Neurodiversity: Why Language Matters46:00 The Future of Autism Diagnosis in Women47:54 What Gives Gina Rippon Hope50:45 Gina Rippon's Top Tips for Autistic Women51:44 Gina's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benGina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part one of this two-part conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Gendered Brain and The Lost Girls of Autism - recently awarded the British Psychological Society's Popular Science Book Prize - Gina Rippon joins Ben to unpack what we really know, and don't know, about the human brain.From left-brain/right-brain myths to the rise of gendered brain science, Gina explains why many of the ideas we've grown up with simply don't stand up to scrutiny. Drawing on decades of research, she explores how brains change across the lifespan, how experience actively shapes neural pathways, and why no two brains - neurodivergent or not - are ever the same.They dive into alpha rhythms, brain plasticity, ageing, and the cultural bias baked into neuroscience, including why the idea of distinctly “male” and “female” brains has caused more confusion than clarity.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:57 Why Gina Rippon Became Obsessed With the Brain2:54 What Science Really Knows About the Neurodivergent Brain7:18 Brain Waves Explained: Alpha Rhythms & Neurodivergence10:24 Debunking Common Myths About the Neurodivergent Brain12:00 Left Brain vs Right Brain: Does It Actually Exist?17:14 The Best Analogy for How Brains Really Work18:17 Why London Taxi Drivers' Brains Change19:30 How the Brain Changes With Age21:46 Brain Plasticity, Careers & Learning Over Time23:27 Why Every Brain Is Different And Neurodiversity26:45 Gender Bias in Neuroscience: “Neuro Trash” Research27:53 Is There Such a Thing as a Male or Female Brain?35:18 The Real Impact of Gendered Brain Science40:56 Neurodivergence, Gender & Brain Differences Explained44:07 Moving Beyond Gendered Brains to Human Brains45:22 What Are Thoughts, Really?48:40 Why Gina Decided To Write “The Lost Girls of Autism”The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benGina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Branson built Seedlip into the world's first non-alcoholic spirit brand. Five years after our first conversation, he's back - this time with a new venture (Sylva), recent autism and ADHD diagnoses, and a completely different understanding of himself.We talk about what the pandemic taught him about pivoting fast, why he's now extracting flavours from wood, and how discovering he's neurodivergent has changed how he leads. Ben's honest about what it's like to finally understand why his brain works the way it does - and how that's made him a better founder, father, and human.If you're curious about leadership, neurodiversity, or what it means to become more yourself as you get older, this one's for youHope you love it Richard

Comedian, presenter and creator Holly Morris joins Ben for a candid conversation about living with AuDHD, the hidden cost of masking, and why being “funny” is often a survival strategy rather than a personality trait.Holly shares how her comedy career grew out of lifelong hyper-vigilance - constantly scanning rooms, people and conversations and how that same awareness fuels both her humour and her exhaustion. She opens up about navigating networking, friendships and online spaces as a neurodivergent adult, and why masking can feel automatic, ingrained, and hard to switch off.They explore Holly's later diagnoses of ADHD and autism, imposter syndrome, her experience of Emetophobia, and how her Autism and ADHD overlap and show up in daily life. If you've ever felt socially switched on but internally depleted, this episode will feel quietly familiar.AD Head to https://bit.ly/hidden20_getdopa and use code Hidden20 for 10% off.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction & AD1:48 Holly Morris' AuDHD Comedy Journey5:04 Masking as an AuDHD Comedian & Networking Pressure8:36 How Masking Shapes Holly's Online Content13:14 Discovering AuDHD & Living With Emetophobia17:25 Hypervigilance, Anxiety & the AuDHD Nervous System21:50 ADHD vs Autism: How AuDHD Shows Up Day to Day27:30 Being Open About Neurodivergence: Online vs In-Person30:39 Adult Friendships, Social Energy & Neurodivergence44:40 Masking vs Unmasking: What Actually Helps46:48 The Hidden Cost of Being a Neurodivergent Creator50:09 AuDHD, Imposter Syndrome & Self-Doubt51:30 Thinking Differently: Strengths, Creativity & Hope1:02:00 What's Next for Holly Morris1:10:30 Holly's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benHolly Morris @hollymorrisssIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Renata Fialho is back in the green chair.In this conversation, Renata and Ben pick up where they left off - this time with Renata sharing her own ADHD diagnosis, what it was like to receive it later in life, and how it has quietly reshaped both her inner world and her clinical work.Together, they unpack the realities of autism and ADHD assessments across the NHS and private sector, why certain myths continue to circulate, and where Renata sees genuine potential for more thoughtful, humane practice.Renata also shares why she's joining The Hidden 20% as a clinical psychologist, her hopes for the direction of neurodiversity care, and reflections on her work at the intersection of neurodivergence and sport - including why swimming can be such a powerful regulator for ADHD nervous systems.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:47 Dr Renata Fialho Reveals Her ADHD Diagnosis03:57 Why Dr Renata's ADHD Was Missed for So Long08:39 How ADHD Shows Up in Dr Renata's Daily Life10:25 Neurodiversity Care: NHS vs Private Explained11:45 The Autism Assessment Myth That Frustrates Clinicians13:00 Why Many Clinicians Work Across NHS and Private Practice15:46 What Gives Dr Renata Hope About the Private Sector17:14 Dr Renata Joins The Hidden 20% Team21:15 The Autism Assessment Case That Changed Dr Renata's Practice24:05 Identity, Community & Diagnosis: Beyond the Medical Model29:22 Dr Renata's Vision for The Hidden 20%31:57 ADHD, Sport & Mental Health: Why Swimming Helps ADHD Brains38:38 What a Good ADHD Assessment Actually Looks Like42:44 Can One Clinician Assess All Neurotypes?45:14 What Keeps Dr Renata Up at Night and Her Hopes for the Future49:06 Dr Renata's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_ben@DrRenataFialho (LinkedIn)If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with bestselling author, psychologist and behaviour change expert Shahroo Izadi for a deep, honest conversation about ADHD, addiction and how habits really form.Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Shahroo reflects on how years spent working in addiction services helped her make sense of her own impulsivity, shame cycles and coping strategies - long before she had the language for neurodivergence. Together, Ben and Shahroo unpack why addiction is often misunderstood, how neurodivergent brains are especially vulnerable in a frictionless modern world, and why behaviour change isn't about willpower or fixing yourself.This is a compassionate, practical conversation about trust, self-belief and designing habits that work with your brain - not against it.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:26 Shahroo Izadi's ADHD Diagnosis & Personal Journey08:12 ADHD, Neurodivergence & Addiction: What's the Link?11:44 Is Addiction a Disease — or a Coping Strategy?13:04 Why Willpower Fails: Understanding Habit Formation16:50 ADHD vs Autism: Impulsivity, Dopamine & Delayed Reward19:08 ADHD & Addiction: Shahroo's Framework for Sustainable Change29:18 Trusting an ADHD Brain After Years of Self-Criticism33:33 Applying Behavioural Psychology to Living With ADHD36:15 The ADHD Tax: Shame, Avoidance & Hidden Costs39:25 External Dependence, Coping Mechanisms & Control42:03 Shahroo's 3 Practical Tips for Lasting Behaviour Change52:13 Ben on Addiction & Recovery: Choice Without Deprivation58:47 What We Still Get Wrong About Addiction & Neurodivergence1:02:02 Healthy Habits vs Addiction: Where's the Line?1:07:21 Addiction, ADHD & Autism: What Needs to Change Systemically1:15:20 Shahroo's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benShahroo Izadi @shahroo_izadi www.shahrooizadi.co.ukIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frustrated by the lack of sophisticated non-alcoholic drink options, Ben Branson began experimenting in his kitchen, distilling herbs from his garden to create an alcohol-free spirit. Seedlip launched in 2015 and rapidly scaled. In just three and a half years, he took the company from a hobby to a global brand, sold in 35 countries and 30 US states, before selling the business to the drinks giant, Diageo. Ben tells Evan Davis how before all that, he'd tried his hand at a variety of jobs, some of them quite bizarre.

As another year closes, we're taking a gentler approach to New Year's thinking. In this special episode, Ben is joined by familiar voices from across the year and a hint of who's to come in 2026 - as he sits down with clinicians, creators, advocates and friends of The Hidden 20% to talk about goals, not resolutions.From Dr Renata Fialho to Shahroo Izadi, Céin McGillicuddy, Dr Alison Lennox, Dr Josephine Neale and Tony Lloyd, each guest reflects on what they're carrying forward into 2026 and what they're intentionally leaving behind.Together, we unpack why “resolutions” can feel loaded, deficit-focused and unrealistic for neurodivergent brains, and why goals rooted in compassion, flexibility and self-trust tend to work better.This is a calm, grounding end-of-year listen - focused less on fixing yourself, and more on meeting yourself where you are.From all of us at The Hidden 20%, thank you for your support this year - we'll see you in 2026.

Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required.To celebrate Christmas 2025, we rewind to Carrie and David Grant talking about life post-diagnosis for Carrie, neurodivergent parenting, unmasking as a family, and how letting go of Christmas pressure can transform life for neurodivergent children and their parents.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benCarrie Grant @carriegrantsaysDavid Grant @davidgrantsays_If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Josephine Neale - Clinical Director for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at the Priory and founder of Neale Health, the UK's first fully online child and adolescent psychiatry service - joins Ben to unpack ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a condition many people have never heard of but is increasingly recognised in autistic and ADHD individuals.Josephine explains that ARFID isn't about weight or body image, but driven by four key subtypes: sensory discomfort, fear and anxiety (often around choking or vomiting), low appetite, or a combination of these.Drawing on her specialist work across autism, ADHD, and eating disorders, she breaks down why ND people experience food so differently, why ARFID is still often missed, and how eating difficulties can quietly build long before families know what's happening.This conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools - whether you're navigating ARFID yourself, supporting a young person, or simply trying to better understand ND eating differences.If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation:https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:48 Dr Josephine Neale: Her Background in Eating Disorders, Autism & ADHD7:20 Why Mind & Body Are Often Seen As Separate in Eating Disorders: & Why That Can Be Problematic 11:26 What Is ARFID? (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Explained)15:01 How Clinicians Assess ARFID 23:35 ARFID in Neurodivergent People: Autism, ADHD & Sensory Profiles25:29 The Four ARFID Subtypes: Fear, Sensory, Low Appetite & Combined29:40 What Causes ARFID? Understanding Roots, Triggers & Early Signs31:13 ARFID Fear Subtype: Anxiety, Choking Fears & Avoidance32:44 ARFID Low Appetite Subtype: Interoception & Reduced Hunger34:38 ARFID Sensory Subtype: Texture, Smell, Taste & Food Aversions48:23 Can ARFID Come and Go? Understanding Episodic Presentations50:30 Did ARFID Exist Historically? Why Modern Life May Be Increasing Cases55:36 Christmas & ARFID: How to Support People with Eating Difficulties1:01:08 ARFID at Someone Else's House: How Families Can Navigate Christmas Day1:05:59 Dr Josephine's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Josephine Neale @drjosephineneale www.nealehealth.comIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas is often described as joyful, but for many neurodivergent people it can be overwhelming, exhausting and full of hidden pressure. In this special episode, Dr Alison Lennox returns to unpack why the festive season can feel so challenging - and how preparation, boundaries and regulation strategies can make a huge difference.Ben and Alison discuss sensory overload, disrupted routines, family expectations, social fatigue and the pressure to “perform” throughout December. Alison shares practical, compassionate advice on preparing for gatherings, setting boundaries ahead of time, creating exit plans, managing burnout, supporting ND children, and finding small moments to regulate even in busy environments.Whether you look forward to Christmas or quietly dread it, this episode gives permission to approach the season differently - with clarity, self-compassion and a plan that puts your wellbeing first.CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health crisis, overwhelm and emotional distress, particularly around the festive period.If you are struggling, in emotional distress or feel unsafe, please reach out:Samaritans (24/7) - Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.orgShout Crisis Textline - Text SHOUT to 85258Mind – https://www.mind.org.ukNHS 111 (urgent mental health support) – https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-servicesIf you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.________If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation:https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grottoHost: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:47 Being Neurodivergent at Christmas: Why the Festive Season Is Hard3:34 Family Expectations, Routines and Holiday Pressure5:00 Why the Festive Season Can Be Overwhelming for ND People6:03 First Christmas After an ND Diagnosis: Handling Difficult Family Reactions10:24 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt & Planning Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress14:40 Setting Boundaries Without Shame: ND Social Masking & Avoiding Burnout25:25 How to Support Neurodivergent Children at Christmas30:30 Dr Alison's Top Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries34:42 Dr Alison's Festive Advice for ADHD'ers on Medication36:00 Alcohol vs Neurodivergent Brains39:50 The Importance of Preparation for ND Regulation at Christmas42:39 Managing Sensory Overload & Navigating Christmas Traditions45:54 What ND People Can Do If They or a Loved One Are in Distress48:03 Dr Alison's Final Words of Advice: Q&A From Our ListenersThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventeen months on, Sam Branson - Ben's Wife - returns for her most honest conversation yet. Their daughter River is now diagnosed autistic, and Sam and Ben reflect on how that has reshaped their marriage, family life and understanding of each other.This episode is their most vulnerable yet.Sam reflects on what it has really been like since Ben's autism diagnosis and the pain of autistic shutdowns from both perspectives. Together, they talk about parenting an autistic child, adjusting their communication and finding understanding and compassion in the hard moments.This is a raw, honest conversation for anyone raising an ND child or loving someone whose brain works differently.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:26 Reflecting Since Sam's Last Episode (17 Months Later)05:22 Autism Diagnosis: How Are Things Now in Our Marriage?06:19 “Let's Talk About Autistic Shutdowns”: The Pain From Both Sides21:12 Ben & Sam on Their Daughter River's Autism Diagnosis28:34 Sam vs Ben: Parenting an Autistic Child Differently36:25 The Importance of Neurodiversity-Aware Schooling38:45 “I Have More Patience for Our Daughter's Autism Than Yours”39:45 “I Wasn't For Our Daughter's Autism Diagnosis”58:11 Navigating Autism, Marriage, Shutdowns & Family Life1:00:12 Sam's Top Tips for ND Families at Christmas1:14:15 Sam's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Ben's conversation with Dr Luke Beardon, they move from language and identity into the systems shaping autistic lives - classrooms, healthcare, and even the criminal justice system. With over 30 years' experience in autism education, Luke breaks down why inclusivity isn't a “nice extra” but the foundation of genuine support, and why a one-size-fits-all approach consistently fails autistic people.Luke shares his top three tips for supporting neurodivergent children in school, explores how the UK's autism training compares globally, and offers a candid look at how medical and justice systems misunderstand autistic communication and behaviour.This episode reframes what meaningful inclusion really looks like. If you've ever felt misunderstood, misinterpreted, or pushed to fit into systems that don't fit you or your brain, this conversation will help you make sense of it and remind you that the problem was never you.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:00 How Dr Luke Beardon Approaches Autism & Education: Why Inclusivity Matters8:43 Understanding Life Through the Autistic Lens VS “One Size Fits All” Support10:00 Dr Luke's Top 3 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Children in School17:42 Neurodiversity History: Educating the Education System19:55 Autism Training in the UK: What Medical Professionals Are (Not) Taught27:57 How the UK's Autism Understanding Compares to Other Countries29:13 Autism & the Criminal Justice System: What Needs to Change36:52 The One Belief Luke Would Change About Autism in Society37:24 Luke's Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldlukeIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first of a two part episode, Dr Luke Beardon - senior lecturer in autism, long-time educator, and author of Autism in Adults and Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults - sits down with Ben to unpack why the language we use around autism matters more than we think.Luke explains why he rejects terms like “the autism spectrum,” and even “autistic behaviour,” and introduces his concept of autistic epistemology - a way of understanding autism grounded in lived experience, not pathology.Together, they look at the myths that still influence public thinking, the gaps in UK education, and why simple changes can make learning environments more inclusive for everyone.This episode is a sharp, thoughtful, and refreshingly human look at autism that challenges old ideas - a genuinely empowering listen for autistic people, parents, educators, and anyone trying to understand neurodivergence better.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:00 What Drives Luke's Work in Autism After 30 Years4:40 Why Language Matters: Rethinking How We Talk About Autism10:00 Autistic Epistemology: Luke's Groundbreaking Framework13:08 The Biggest Myths About Autism: Debunked28:48 How to Share Your Needs as an Autistic Person (Luke's Practical Advice)31:44 “Autistic” vs “Person with Autism”34:07 Why Luke Rejects the “Superpower” Narrative35:50 Hope for the Future: How Autistic Language Is Changing39:30 Communication, Miscommunication & Being AutisticThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldlukeIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, writer and director Céin McGillicuddy joins Ben to talk about his late autism diagnosis and ‘Play Time' - ITV's joyful new series celebrating neurodiversity in children and adults.Céin reflects on growing up with parents so supportive that his autism went unnoticed for decades, the shock of discovering a 17-year NHS waitlist, and how finally understanding his brain reshaped his life and creativity.From ‘Horrible Histories' and ‘The Assembly' to ‘Play Time', he shares an honest look at hyperfocus, burnout, and what it really means to tell neurodivergent stories - both through the camera and behind it.Plus, Ben and Céin react to an exclusive clip from ‘Play Time', and discuss why TV shows like these are changing how we see neurodivergence on screen.CW: This episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Where To Watch Playtime:YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/ITVPlayTimeITVX - https://tinyurl.com/ITVXPlayTime_________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benCéin McGillicuddy @ceinmcgIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Episode, Plant-based chef and author Sophie Waplington (@sophsplantkitchen) opens up for the first time about her self-diagnosed ADHD, family estrangement, and the burnout that comes with juggling business, creativity, and self-employment.We talk about the emotional toll of family relationships when loved ones don't believe in neurodivergence, the pressure to “perform” online, and why rest is sometimes the most productive thing you can do.Along the way, Soph shares her favourite plant-based tips for ADHD brains and her reflections on sobriety, self-acceptance, and slowing down.If you've ever felt misunderstood, overstimulated, or like you're constantly starting over, this episode will remind you that you're not broken - you're just wired differently.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benSophie Waplington @sophsplantkitchenIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two with Dr Alison Lennox, we dive deep into the world of misdiagnosis in autism. Alison unpacks why conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex PTSD are often diagnosed instead of autism, the dangers of getting it wrong, and the real-life consequences for neurodivergent adults.Drawing on her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, she explains where autism overlaps - and doesn't - with BPD, CPTSD and other mental health conditions. Alison shares why systemic change in mental health services is urgently needed. If you've ever felt mislabelled, misunderstood, or struggled to get the right support, this episode is essential listening.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Branson, Founder of Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit; and the Founder of Pollen Projects, a venture studio that have so far created Seasn, (a range of cocktail bitters) and Sylva (a distillery and maturation lab making non-alcoholic spirits from trees). Ben is also the Founder of neurodiversity charity The Hidden 20%.

In this first of a two part episode, psychiatrist Dr Alison Lennox shares the inside story of autism diagnosis in the UK, why she left the NHS after being told to stay quiet about waitlists, and what every adult should know before seeking an assessment.Alison, a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, has led NHS autism services and now works privately helping adults navigate the diagnostic process. She breaks down what to expect from NHS vs private assessments, explains why autistic women are so often misdiagnosed, and shares practical advice for people currently on waiting lists.If you've ever questioned whether you might be autistic or struggled to get answers, this conversation is for you.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with consultant osteopath, author of The Meaning of Pain, and pioneer in understanding how body, brain, and pain are deeply connected.With over 25 years in clinical practice, Nick has worked with everyone from elite athletes to hedge fund traders, helping them manage pain, stress, and performance under pressure. Together they unpack the link between Hypermobility, ADHD, and anxiety, why pain is often misunderstood, and how the body tells the story the brain can't.From insights on interoception, stress and breathing, to myths about chronic pain and “bendy bodies,” Nick shares practical tools for tuning into your body, managing stress, and finding balance.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benNick Potter @backboneclinicIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Rory the Vet - veterinary surgeon, TV presenter, author, and ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association.Diagnosed with dyslexia late during his veterinary studies, Rory is now a passionate advocate for early identification, school support, and embracing ND brains.They explore the realities of dyslexia in high-pressure work environments, the mental health crisis among vets, and the therapeutic (and often overlooked) role of animals in wellbeing.Rory also shares practical tips for revision and ND brains, insights from his charity work, and gives a playful way to find out how you might discover if your dog thinks differently…!CW: This episode contains references to mental health and suicide.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benRory The Vet @rorythevetIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part of the conversation, Ben is joined again by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and author.The focus shifts to solutions: changing education, understanding the hidden side of emotions, and tackling the mental health risks autistic girls face. Cathy brings clarity and compassion to topics like Alexithymia, Interoception, and the realities of school life.She also answers listener questions on EHCPs, burnout, school refusal, and diagnosis, before closing with her vision for a fairer future rooted in authenticity and the joy of autistic brains.CW: This episode contains references to mental health and suicide.NB: All information was relevant at the time of recording.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benCathy Wassell @autisticgirlsnetworkIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first of a two-part episode, Ben is joined by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and successful author.Neurodivergent herself and mum to two autistic children, Cathy is at the front line supporting autistic girls, women, and families, while campaigning for earlier diagnosis and a more up-to-date education system.With both lived experience and a Masters in Autism, Cathy brings honesty and expertise to a conversation that busts myths, challenges stigma, and shines a light on what's really going on for autistic girls and non-binary young people today.00:00 Introduction1:17 On the Frontline: Supporting Girls with Autism7:30 Autism: How It Presents in Boys VS Girls10:00 Why Situational Mutism VS Selective Mutism?13:03 Masking & Sensory Differences: The Danger of Gender Bias in Autism19:46 Neurodivergent Children: Navigating the Secondary School Transition23:07 ND Passionate Interests: Explained26:33 Why Are Autistic Girls Diagnosed Later than Boys?32:30 Parent Groups for ND Children35:00 Autistic Girls and Navigating Puberty38:57 If Cathy Had a Magic Wand: Her Vision for ND Change43:28 Spotting Autism in Girls: Cathy's Checklist45:24 Coming Up in Part Two_________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That's 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can't be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benCathy Wassell @autisticgirlsnetworkIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required.In this episode, Ellie Middleton shares her journey through late diagnosis, ADHD medication, and the burnout cycle - and why language, community, and finding your people matter more than ever._________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benEllie Middleton @elliemiddsIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In case you've JUST discovered Brand Growth Heroes podcast, we're digging into the treasure trove of our most downloaded episodes from our back-catalogue so YOU don't miss A SINGLE BUSINESS INSIGHT!From slow-burn visionaries to fast-moving disruptors, the show has featured founders of brands like Perfect Ted, Lucky Saint, Seedlip, Wild, Strong Roots, Oddbox, and global challengers like Waterdrop, Mid-Day Squares, Olipop, and Tony's Chocolonely and many many more…Next up in this special series, we are re-releasing one of the most loved and downloaded episodes of all time, an interview with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip. In this replay, Fiona sits down with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit and arguably the original poster child of the No & Low alcohol movement.Started on a garden table in 2016, Seedlip didn't just disrupt the drinks industry — it invented a new category. Now sold in 49 countries, with a sales value in the tens of millions, Seedlip has become a global benchmark for what true brand disruption looks like.In this episode, Ben shares:How to build a brand that redefines an entire categoryWhy he chose to partner early with Diageo, and how it changed Seedlip's trajectoryHis unconventional approach to culture, team-building, and rolesWhat inspires him creatively from robot chefs to the 47,000+ plant-based ingredients that fuel innovationThis is an episode that founders still rave about and for good reason. It's full of insights for anyone trying to scale something bold, disruptive, and lasting.If you do learn some good stuff from this episode (and we hope you do), please, please share it, follow the show, AND leave a quick review. It all helps bring more brilliant founders and insights to you, our Brand Growth Heroes community!============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

In part two, Ben and sleep expert Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan dive into the practical side of sleep. They discuss how parents of neurodivergent children can better support rest, the most common questions on sleep, and why it's the “golden thread” that unites everything.Nerina unpacks the science of dreams, the role of our senses, and shares practical tips - from sleeping in new places to strategies for emotional regulation. With warmth and wisdom, she reveals how small, intentional choices can transform the way we rest.CW: Mental health and abuse00:00 Introduction1:05 Sleep Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids2:46 The Corporate World & Creating a Safe Nervous System3:31 The Most Common Questions About Sleep Answered5:08 How to Change Unhealthy Sleep Behaviours6:29 Sleep as the Golden Thread That Unites Everything7:58 Why Do We Dream? The Science Behind It9:12 How Long Do Dreams Actually Last?10:16 Dreams vs. Nightmares: What's the Difference?11:07 How Sights, Sounds & Smells Impact Sleep15:40 Touch & Sleep: Best Accessories for Better Rest16:50 Dr. Nerina's Top Tips for Sleeping in a New Place19:43 Emotional Regulation & Setting Boundaries for Better Sleep22:41 Dr. Nerina's Green Dot Badge_________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerinaIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first of a two-part episode, Ben sits down with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan - a Neurophysiologist, Author and Sleep Expert with over 25 years experience in the field, whose work is shaped by both science and lived experience.She shares her personal journey, from early struggles with insomnia and being sectioned at 31, to later returning as a practitioner in the very same psychiatric unit. Nerina brings rare honesty and depth to the conversation about why humans sometimes find it difficult to sleep.Together they explore the hidden science of sleep, how neurodivergent brains seek safety and rest, and reveal why the choices we make every day can dramatically improve the quality of our sleep.CW: Mental health and abuse_________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerinaIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required.In this episode, Kit Harington opens up about the reality of multitasking with a neurodivergent brain - from overwhelm and social anxiety, to addiction, labels, and the unexpected power of a shower.CW: references to addiction_________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benKit HaringtonIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr. Samantha Friedman, a researcher exploring the intersection of autism, human–nature relationships, and wellbeing. Together they discuss how natural environments can offer calming, non-judgmental spaces that support regulation, curiosity, and connection. Dr. Samantha shares how autistic people connect with nature in ways that reflect their individual needs - from immersive outdoor experiences to more accessible, sensory-based encounters. With a PhD from Cambridge and a current Lecturer in Applied Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, her work is helping reframe how we understand autism's unique and powerful relationship with the natural world._________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr. Samantha Friedman If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing our Re‑Focus series, where we rewind the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required.In this episode, Ben sits down with BAFTA Award winning broadcaster, vocal coach & author, Carrie Grant. They dive into her late autism diagnosis, shifting perspectives, the importance of overcoming internalised phobias and her four neurodivergent children._________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benCarrie Grant @carriegrantsaysIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Reference to online abuse, mental health & sexual allegationsMasterChef UK semi‑finalist Vanessa D'Souza (aka The Autistic Chef) was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder in her 30s, after years of masking. Cooking became her sanctuary, a safe outlet and creative expression that calmed her mind.As an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she now champions sensory-friendly recipes and greater inclusion in hospitality.In this chat with Ben, Vanessa breaks down navigating sensory processing disorder, why neurotypical standards don't work in culinary spaces, how to make restaurants neurodivergent-friendly, and what it's like to unmask after 35 years. Plus, she shares her experience of Gregg Wallace during her time on MasterChef.00:00 Introduction1:20 Vanessa's Brain & Autism Diagnosis7:35 ND Love: Meeting in the Middle9:10 The Power of Vanessa's Vulnerability12:32 The Importance of Listening: Unpacking Meltdowns & Family Reactions17:35 Vanessa's Autism VS ADHD20:41 Sensory Overwhelm: Taste & Smell24:07 Why Vanessa Loves Cooking28:01 What is Sensory Processing Disorder?30:28 Vanessa's Top ND Cooking & Restaurant Tips38:10 Master Chef: The Hidden Truths & Realities of Being on TV45:15 Greg Wallace: Vanessa's Experience47:13 “Autism Should Never Be Used as an Excuse For Bad Behaviour”50:50 Vanessa's Green Light Badge_________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benVanessa D'Souza @the.autistic.chefIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups.In this chat with Ben, they unpack hidden autistic talents like perfect pitch and detailed memory, why late diagnosis fuels burnout, how emotional care differs from cognitive mind‑reading, and why research on sensory processing and inclusion is needed more than ever.This is part two of a two-part episode. To catch all the groundbreaking discoveries, be sure to check out last week's episode!___________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benFrancesca Happé @happelabIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups.Together, they get to the heart of why so many women remain unseen, undiagnosed and misdiagnosed. As well as exploring what ageing means when the world was never built for your brain. They unpack diagnostic overshadowing, the crossover between CPTSD and autism, and what happens when a late diagnosis reframes an entire lifetime.This is the first of a two part episode - tune in for some groundbreaking discoveries next week in Part Two!________00:00 Introduction1:30 Autism: The Study That Keep's Francesca Up at Night4:00 Autistic Elderly People VS Our Society 5:45 Late in Life Autism Diagnosis: A Lifetime Reframed10:07 Autistic Women: The Missing Diagnoses 12:50 Eating Disorders VS Autism: What is Diagnostic Overshadowing?17:16 Autism in Women & Girls: Finally Being Diagnosed19:40 What is the Difference between Male and Female Autism?23:20 Can Animals Be Autistic?25:33 Aging VS Autism: Does Autism Lower Life Expectancy?28:10 Living with CPTSD & Autism: Untangling the Symptoms33:45 Are Autistic People More Sensitive?__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benFrancesca Happé @happelabIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast, Host Chris Maffeo talks to Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip and now Sylva and Seasn, shares his journey of creating the modern non-alcoholic spirits category. From his farming background to launching the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirits, Ben discusses the critical importance of building categories before brands, the evolution from direct-to-consumer to retail distribution, and his philosophy of three essential elements. He emphasizes the drinks industry's B2B2B2C nature, the value of premium credibility through top-tier accounts, and his current ventures, including Sylva (an aged non-alcoholic spirit using British trees) and Seasn (cocktail bitters). Ben's approach centers on properly developing products, understanding cultural contexts beyond liquid, and maintaining relationships with the influential "1000 people that matter" while scaling.0:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast00:12 Meet Ben Branson: Founder of Seedlip00:37 Building a Category from Scratch03:10 The Importance of Choice in Non-Alcoholic Beverages06:24 Challenges and Dynamics in the Non-Alcoholic Market09:12 Understanding the Drinks Ecosystem12:20 The Role of Occasions in Brand Building13:51 Direct-to-Consumer vs. Traditional On and Off Trade27:50 The Power of First Impressions and Credibility32:28 The Importance of Influential Customers33:27 Halo vs. Habit: Building Brand Relationships34:22 Balancing Supermarket and Independent Distribution38:43 The Role of Planning in Brand Launches39:40 Learning the Drinks Industry42:05 The Value of Experience and Patience52:30 Navigating Competition and Protecting Your Brand55:41 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

CW: Addiction & BullyingBestselling author and broadcaster Matt Cain opens up about discovering autism and ADHD at 50 after decades of feeling "othered" as a gay man.In this chat with Ben, Matt unpacks how his autism and ADHD were long blurred with queer expression, explains how ADHD fuels his creative work but also complicates his relationship with alcohol, and emphasises why "coming out" as proudly neurodivergent- just as he has as a gay man- is so vital._________________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benMatt Cain @mattcainwriterIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast, Host Chris Maffeo talks to Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip and now Sylva and Seasn, shares his journey of creating the modern non-alcoholic spirits category. From his farming background to launching the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirits, Ben discusses the critical importance of building categories before brands, the evolution from direct-to-consumer to retail distribution, and his philosophy of three essential elements. He emphasizes the drinks industry's B2B2B2C nature, the value of premium credibility through top-tier accounts, and his current ventures, including Sylva (an aged non-alcoholic spirit using British trees) and Seasn (cocktail bitters). Ben's approach centers on properly developing products, understanding cultural contexts beyond liquid, and maintaining relationships with the influential "1000 people that matter" while scaling.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast00:12 Meet Ben Branson: Founder of Seedlip00:37 Building a Category from Scratch03:10 The Importance of Choice in Non-Alcoholic Beverages06:24 Challenges and Dynamics in the Non-Alcoholic Market09:12 Understanding the Drinks Ecosystem12:20 The Role of Occasions in Brand Building13:51 Direct-to-Consumer vs. Traditional On and Off Trade27:50 The Power of First Impressions and Credibility32:28 The Importance of Influential Customers33:27 Halo vs. Habit: Building Brand Relationships34:22 Balancing Supermarket and Independent Distribution38:43 The Role of Planning in Brand Launches39:40 Learning the Drinks Industry42:05 The Value of Experience and Patience52:30 Navigating Competition and Protecting Your Brand55:41 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

At just 12 years old, Nelson Taylor is turning heads in UK junior racing - fast, instinctive, and fearless on the track. But his path to the podium has been anything but straightforward.Diagnosed as Autistic, Nelson once found it difficult to leave the house, held back by anxiety, sensory overload, and social struggles. Today, he's thriving in the high-pressure world of motorsport and chasing a future in Formula 1.In this chat with Ben, Nelson and his parents, Sophie and Shane, share the story of his remarkable transformation - from shutdowns to starting grids - and reflect on the power of autistic focus, family support, and what it took to move through the darkest days._________________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benNelson Taylor @nelson_taylor_racing91If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Mental Health & SuicideDisclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concerns or treatment decisions.For many, menopause is the moment ADHD becomes impossible to ignore - and too often, it's still misunderstood.Today's guest is the remarkable Dr Louise Newson - GP turned pioneering menopause specialist and founder of the internationally renowned Balance app and Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre.A trailblazer in women's health, Louise has transformed how we understand hormones, with her work reaching millions. As a neurodivergent woman and mother to ND daughters, she offers a rare and powerful blend of clinical authority and personal insight.In this chat with Ben, they explore how hormonal changes can unmask ADHD traits, why women are so frequently misdiagnosed, and why the current approach to menopause has become, in Dr Newson's words, “the biggest car crash in women's health.”_________________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Louise Newson @menopause_doctorIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Branson is one of the most creative minds in beverages today. As the founder of Seedlip — the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit — he didn't just launch a product, he pioneered an entire category. That category, once niche and unproven, is now valued at more than $11 billion, and Seedlip was acquired by Diageo in 2019, just five years after its launch.Now, Ben's back with a new venture: Pollen Projects, a drinks innovation studio creating a range of unconventional non-alcoholic products. The two early standouts? Sylva — a non-alcoholic sipping spirit distilled and matured from trees (yes, trees!) — and Seasn, a duo of cocktail bitters designed to flavor everything from seltzer to cocktails.In this conversation, Ben takes us inside his product development process — from cold-calling 500 top bars to obsessively studying 17th-century distillation texts — to assess white space for Seedlip. He also shares what's next for Sylva, including a new distillery in upstate New York to make spirits from American trees. That operation will accompany Sylva's existing UK distillery, which is already producing spirits made from British Hazel and African Padauk wood.In this conversation, Ben shares the research, philosophy, and creative rigor behind his brands — and what he's doing differently this time around. You'll hear about the early days of Seedlip, how Sylva's distillation and aging process borrows from perfumery and traditional spirits, and why simplicity — not trend-chasing — is the secret to building lasting brands.We discuss:Why Ben isn't just making non-alc alternatives, but rather inventing a new class of liquidsHis methodical, data-driven approach to product innovationThe surprising reason he chose to launch Seedlip into high-end, on-premise accounts rather than DTCThe innovative techniques used to produce Sylva's non-alcoholic sipping spiritsWhy Ben emphasizes clarity above all — whether in product design or brand strategyWhat he learned from early product missteps — and how he's applying those lessons to Sylva and SeasnWhy Ben doesn't build brands for himself — he builds them to meet real consumer needs with standout experiencesLast Call:In this Last Call update, we reconnect with Issamu Kamide, co-founder of Wonderwerk, to hear what's driving growth for one of the most innovative brands in wine.We first featured Wonderwerk last fall in Ep. 36 Since that time, Wonderwerk has grown its revenue 30%. We discuss:

CW: This episode contains offensive language which is involuntary aspects of Tourettes, as well as discussions of mental health and suicide.After a seizure and a brain tumour in 2019, Luke Manton was diagnosed with adult-onset Tourette Syndrome- plunging him into a turbulent period of unemployment, stigma, and mental health challenges.After being fired and rejected by countless employers, Luke chose to rewrite the narrative, launching his own successful neurodivergent-led business.In this chat with Ben, Luke speaks about the power of self-acceptance, why he's campaigning to change outdated diagnostic criteria for Tourette's and the often-misunderstood causes of adult-onset tics. He also opens-up about navigating adoption and the care system as a neurodivergent parent._____00:00 Introduction1:55 Life Before Tourettes & The Journey to Diagnosis6:41 “I Left Hospital and My Voice Did Not Come Back”10:59 Luke's First Vocal Tic of Many: “The Doctors Had No Idea What It Was”13:00 What is Adult Onset Tourettes?15:58 The Power of Singing & Tourettes17:36 Mental Health VS Tourettes26:21 Tourettes Diagnosis: The Timeline31:10 Vocal Tics: What Do They Feel Like?33:17 Tourettes VS Being a Dad37:22 Life: Post Tourettes Diagnosis40:15 What Are Mental Tics?42:18 Representing Tourettes: The Reality of Self Acceptance48:23 Luke's Green Light Badge__________________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLuke Manton @lukemanton92If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bartender at Large is excited to share our conversation with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, the world's first non-alcoholic distilled spirit. We discussed his journey from a simple idea to revolutionizing the drinks industry, the importance of sustainability, and what's next for Seedlip. Whether you're a founder, a cocktail enthusiast, or just curious about the non-alc category, this episode is packed with insight. https://linktr.ee/Bartenderatlarge?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKYNv1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpxQXKrMJx1fMvwrHYnk-mLVEhm-0XQ-ImKqZBqd5ZN6_w5nhWVrbLw_BejiP_aem_rDrfqHqrX2L49kNrt8ZqdA ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

The average person makes around 35,000 decisions a day, but for neurodivergent minds, even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming, often leading to anxiety and decision paralysis.This week we're joined by Adrienne Adhami, podcaster, business advisor, keynote speaker, and author of Decisions That Matter. Adrienne has helped global giants like Microsoft, Spotify, and Range Rover empower their teams to make intentional, confident decisions in a world full of noise and distractions.In this chat with Ben, Adrienne shares her six golden rules for cutting through overwhelm. Packed with real-life examples and actionable strategies to overcome procrastination, reclaim their mental energy, and reduce decision fatigue, so you can take back control of your time and focus on what really matters._____________________________________00:00 Introduction1:43 Adrienne's Best Decision7:31 Adrienne's Worst Decision11:20 6 Golden Rules for Neurodivergent Decision Making: High Stakes & Low Stakes18:08 ADHD & Sleep20:17 No Stakes Decisions23:08 FOBO: Fear Of Better Option27:11 Setting Decision Deadlines29:10 Outsourcing: Asking For Help31:54 ND: Adrienne's Top Tips on Daily Decisions38:06 Maximisers VS Satisficers40:17 Regret: “It's Inevitable”44:10 The Power of Intuition51:40 ADHD & The Power of False Deadlines56:39 The Beauty of Being an Amateur: Making Room for Joy_____On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benAdrienne Adhami @adrienne_ldnIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Branson is a British entrepreneur best known for founding Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, and later Pollen Projects, a studio focused on reimagining moderation. Inspired by his 300-year farming heritage and a 17th-century book on herbal remedies, Branson began experimenting with distilling botanicals in his kitchen. Seedlip launched in 2015 and quickly gained acclaim for offering a sophisticated, alcohol-free alternative.In 2023, Branson launched Pollen Projects to drive the next wave of non-alcoholic innovation. The studio's creations include seasn, a 0.0% ABV bitters range, and Sylva, the world's first aged non-alcoholic spirit made from wood. A passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Branson also hosts The Hidden 20% podcast, shining a light on the experiences of neurodivergent individuals.seedlip_ben | seedlipdrinks | seasnyourdrinks | sylva.labs | hidden20podcastFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#madeonzencastr

What really goes on behind closed doors in neurodivergent relationships? Psychosexual Therapist and ND Relationship Coach Karen Doherty brings 20+ years of experience to this eye-opening episode on late diagnosis, emotional dysregulation.In this chat with Ben, Karen unpacks why neurodivergent couples often struggle, and more importantly, how they can thrive. From the "code word" method to breaking the trigger cycle, Karen shares practical tools that help make strong ND couples. She also reveals hard truths about unmet needs, communication breakdowns, and the dangers of fast-moving, intense connections.__________00:00 Introduction1:44 20 Years of Neurodivergence in a Relationship: What's Changed?7:11 Late Diagnosis VS Relationships8:44 Post ADHD & Autism Diagnosis VS Relationships13:33 The #1 Struggle Most ND Couples Face14:02 Increased Communication Challenges: RSD & Emotional Dysregulation22:20 The Danger of Unavailability: Karen's Top Tips27:24 ND VS Dating Apps: Karen's Top 3 Tips30:07 The Neurodivergent Intense Connection: From 0-10033:58 Keeping The Magic Alive: Karen's Top Tips40:55 The Biggest Unmet Needs in Neurodivergent Relationships44:16 The Impact of Neurodivergence On People's Individual Lives45:55 The Biggest Transformations of ND Couples in Therapy47:33 Noticing Signs of Neurodivergence: Karen's Advice for Couples52:11 Neurodivergence and Integration55:15 Should You Disclose Your ND Whilst Dating?57:08 Shutting Down ND Myths58:39 If ND Couples Therapy Resonates: What Next?1:00:35 Karen's Green Badge Choice_____On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benKaren Doherty Relationship Therapist @karendohertycoachingIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Ben chats with Dr Adrian James, one of the UK's most senior psychiatrists and NHS England's first Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity. Adrian takes on this role at a crucial time, with rising waitlists, overwhelmed services turning away new referrals, and medication shortages forcing patients to ration.They delve into the postcode lottery of waiting lists, ongoing medication shortages, the lack of accessible NHS data, obstacles to the Right to Choose, why autism in women is so often overlooked, and what's needed to fix a broken system._________00:00 Introduction2:03 Adrian's Brain3:09 Adrian: “I Thought Mental Illness Happened to Other People”5:38 Psychiatrists VS Lived Experience6:30 What Does Adrian Do?7:53 Why Adrian Took on the Role: “Things Needed to Change”9:50 NHS Director or Neurodiversity and Mental Health: One Year In10:45 Mental Health VS Neurodiversity11:12 If Adrian Had a Magic Wand12:33 ADHD & Autism Assessments: How Do We Clear This Backlog?15:08 Ben: “No-one is on the List on a Whim!”17:14 Resource & Funding VS NHS19:50 Ben's Push For Real Answers on Long Wait Lists, ADHD & Autism Diagnosis Delays22:00 The Messages Adrian Receives23:43 Neurodivergence: The Power of Early Intervention26:26 The Missed Women of Autism: “What Now?”30:31 Declined Right To Choose: Why?32:44 Can All GP's Diagnose Neurodivergence?34:23 What Neurodiversity Training is Happening in the NHS?37:00 What Data Does the NHS Collect Around Neurodivergence?37:33 Why Are Waitlist Times So Different Around the Country?38:52 How Do You Action Change?43:00 The ADHD Medication Shortage VS NHS46:28 Do We Have Enough GP's?47:33 How Do We Up-Skill Gp's Understanding of Neurodiversity?50:56 Adrian: “I'm Very Aware We Haven't Got Things Right”52:21 Neurodiversity: Parallels to Mental Health Evolution55:42 What is a Super Specialist?56:37 PMDD: What Exposure Is Adrian Having to This?57:45 A Face For Neurodiversity in the NHS 58:44 NHS VS Change and Solutions1:00:15 Weaving Neurodivergence into the NHS & Adrian's Green Dot Badge Giving__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Adrian James @dradrianjamesIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Ben is joined by two unforgettable voices from Big Brother UK 2024: show winner and forensic psychologist Ali Bromley, and her fellow housemate Lily Benson. Both Ali and Lily live with ADHD, but the way the public saw them couldn't have been more different.In this powerful conversation, Lily reveals why she chose to hide her diagnosis from the Big Brother team. Ali opens up about the not-so-subtle ways she witnessed Lilly being misunderstood and othered, and why some of the reactions inside the house still haunt her.Together, they confront the uncomfortable truths about how neurodivergence is perceived by the wider public, especially when it doesn't fit expectations. They unpack the emotional toll of being made to feel “different” or “odd”, and the quiet strength that comes from finding an ally when the world feels stacked against you.__________00:00 Introduction1:40 How Ali & Lily Describe Their Brains2:11 ADHD Meds VS The Brain5:53 The ADHD Daydreamers6:06 When Lily Was Diagnosed With ADHD6:32 ADHD Diagnosis VS The School System9:30 Why Ali Encouraged Lily to Share her ADHD Journey11:10 ADHD VS The Big Brother House14:43 Why Ali & Lily Clicked15:07 Why Lily Wishes She'd Listened to Her Mum16:36 Big Brother House: What Would Lily Do Differently17:15 Why Ali's Protection of Lily is Personal21:40 Public Reaction: The Cost of “Othering”22:38 Neurodivergent People: The Social Disrupters23:52 Do Ali & Lily Regret Going in The Big Brother House?27:12 ADHD Diagnosis: Why Lily Decided To Go Public28:49 ADHD Sisters: Why Ali & Lily Love Spending Time With Each other30:03 Why Lily Loves Having ADHD & The Most Challenging Parts31:28 Lily: What ADHD Means To Younger People32:15 ADHD is Not An Adjective33:52 Ali on Her Potential Autism Assessment37:43 Lily: Growing Up in The Digital World Was Normal38:30 Ali & Lily's Thoughts on Social Media Neurodivergent Content39:47 Lily & Ali's Advice to The Next Generation of Neurodivergent Reality Stars41:45 Managing Public Reaction & Online Trolls44:04 Trolling: The Real Dangers on the ND Community46:37 Lily & Ali's Best Piece of Advice for Supporting Someone With ADHD48:12 Lily's Superwoman Mum: Linda49:30 Lily's Green Badge Choice__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLily Benson @_lily.bensonAli Bromley @_ali.bromleyIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.